Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has provided clarity on his decision to once again leave Rangers’ top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, out of the national squad.
Despite Dessers’ impressive form this season, with seven goals and an assist, he was surprisingly absent from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya.
The Rangers forward has been a top performer in Scotland, registering doubles against Ross County and Dundee.
Yet, Dessers has not featured for the Super Eagles since March, when he earned his fifth and sixth caps in friendlies against Ghana and Mali.
With Victor Osimhen ruled out through injury during Galatasaray’s Super Lig encounter against Kasımpaşa on September 28, many anticipated Dessers would be the natural replacement in the Nigeria attack.
Eguavoen’s rationale: International experience crucial for Super Eagles
However, Eguavoen chose to go in a different direction. When releasing the squad list, which included three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, he left out the 29-year-old Dessers.
Addressing his decision, Eguavoen revealed that the choice came down to experience. While Dessers was considered, Eguavoen felt Kelechi Iheanacho, despite his lack of club goals this season for Sevilla, offered more in terms of international experience.
“I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time.
“I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker,” Eguavoen said.
In the end, it was experience, rather than form, that guided the Super Eagles coach's decision.